VAIL REC DISTRICT KEEN VAIL KIDS ADVENTURE RACE RETURNS AUG. 11-12

04/26/2012

Coolest Kids Race on the Planet Returns With a New Course, Additional Categories and Practice Sessions; Space is Limited to the First 115 Teams

(Vail)--The Vail Recreation District (VRD) will partner for the second summer with KEEN as the title sponsor of the 2012 Vail Kids Adventure Race, Vail's premier race for children ages six to 12 that features mountain biking, hiking, ziplines, a Tarzan rope, Slope-n-Slide, tubing and more. The third annual KEEN Vail Kids Adventure Race is scheduled to return Aug.11-12 and will feature a new course and optional practice sessions.

Last year's sold out race pitted 100 teams of two together with kids experiencing the thrill of adventure racing on Vail Mountain and in Vail's villages and according to VRD race organizer Beth Pappas, with KEEN on board for the second year as title sponsor, the race has the opportunity to continue to gain notoriety as the coolest and best kids adventure race on the planet. "We're thrilled to have KEEN's support and partnership once again this summer," said Pappas. "KEEN is a leader in designing footwear, bags and socks that enhances outdoor adventures for children and adults alike. Plus, their focus on community, recess and protecting the environment continue to be a perfect fit with the principles the Vail Kids Adventure Race is based on."

This year's race will kick-off with packet pick up and optional practice sessions for participants on Saturday, Aug. 11, where children will have opportunities to practice on a variety of course elements and gain a better understanding of what the race will entail. New for 2012, there will be a free Strider Cup bike race for kids ages two through five who are not quite old enough for the Vail Kids Adventure Race. Then, on Sunday, Aug. 12, a 115 teams of two, ages six through twelve, will compete on Vail Mountain and through Vail's villages for an adventure like no other. Over 200 children will participate in the race over the weekend and in addition to the race favorites, such as the Slope-n-Slide, tubing, zip lines and rock climbing, some new challenges will be added as well.

KEEN is well-known for their hybrid innovation and redefining the outdoors through their footwear, bags and socks, which helps connect people with the outdoors. They also have a strong environmental conservation focus which will be incorporated into this year's event. As part of the partnership, KEEN will provide each child participating in the event with a KEEN Grasshopper backseat pack, as well as provide prizes for the top teams in each category."KEEN looks forward to this year's race," said Linda Tom, Chief Recess Officer for KEEN. "We see it as a great way to get families outside and active and hope it will inspire kids and parents to make more time to play outdoors together."

Registration is $150 per team of two and teams will be divided into three age groups and categories for boys, girls and coed teams. Registration will be limited to 115 teams and is available by clicking here or calling the VRD at 970-479-2880. Last year's race sold out with a waiting list.

Alan Sandberg, Publisher of The Parents' Handbook Vail and parent to two adventure racers is looking forward to this year's event. "The VRD's imagination with this event is only rivaled by the enthusiasm of the children participating in it."

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